 and Brynn Russell (right) at their college signing day.jpg)
For many students at Carson High, Monica Weaver serves as a counselor who is dedicated to helping students navigate the challenges that could alter one’s four years of high school. But in the spring, Weaver also stands poolside, coaching the Senators swim team.
Since 2001, Weaver held this position. After 23 years of endless success and feel-good stories, she has decided she will step down from the head coaching position. Although she will remain a counselor at CHS, she felt it was her time to step away from swimming. Weaver’s passion for the sport is what she believed kept her coaching for years.
“I would say my greatest accomplishment as a coach is to give these kids an opportunity to swim later in life.”
Weaver also noted how proud she was of the many Senators students who entered the program as beginners, whom she developed into regional champions. Weaver led the Girls swim team to a state title in 2001, as well as countless league championships. She also led the boys to regional championships in 2009 and most recently in 2021.
Through the years, Weaver has led more than a dozen swimmers to league and state championships, two of which were winners of two events, and more than ten have won individual events, most of which were in a three-year span. One of those years included the school’s state championship on the girl’s team in 2001.
When being asked what colleges look for in student-athletes, she expressed that “they [colleges] look for character, they want to have students with a positive attitude and a desire to always improve, not just having good grades and gifted athleticism.”
While Weaver has been at the helm for the Senators swim team, she has seen many changes take place, but she believes it made a stronger connection with her swimmers.
“I think one of the biggest challenges that came along with swimming was having the mental strength to keep going [swimming]. You know, you come to practice in the pool without having anyone to talk to, and so you are the only person to talk to within that amount of time.”
While Weaver leaves a legacy as one of Carson’s longest-tenured coaches for any sport, she looks back and has advice for high school swimmers.
“Just have fun. Swimming is supposed to be fun. You train your hardest on weekdays so you can enjoy winning on the weekend.”
While the 2024 season winds down for the Senators, two girls from the team signed to NCAA Division 1 schools on April 24. Seniors Katarina Klatt, to Northern Arizona University and Brynn Russell to Vermont. While on her way out, Weaver adds two more names to the immaculate list of swimmers that took their talents to the next level.
Lastly, Weaver credited her mother as inspiration, as she recalled the intense training it took for her to earn a chance to run at the U.S Olympic Trials, specializing in the marathon.
Weaver and the Carson Swim team look ahead to Regionals, May 10 and 11 at the Carson Aquatic Center, with the opportunity to compete for a Regional Championship.
Photo Cutline:
Coach Monica Weaver celebrates with seniors Katarina Klatt (left) and Brynn Russell (right) at their college signing day.
This news release was written and prepared by Carson High School Senior Ryan Barbarigos.